Benjamin Davis

Benjamin L. Davis, affectionately known as "Ben", 87, gained his heavenly wings on
Sunday, January 8, 2023 at his home in Hamden, Connecticut surrounded by his loving wife Gertrude Davis and family. God called his son home from a life of labor to reward. His family and friends give thanks to the almighty savior for allowing us to share Ben's life for 87 years.
He was born in Albemarle, North Carolina to the late Clyde Davis and Orella Shadd on February 12, 1935. Ben attended public schools in Stanley County, NC. He graduated from historic Kingville High School (known as "The Panthers") in 1953 where he was a member of the school band. Benjamin relocated from Albemarle, NC to New Haven, CT in 1956 and started his career in construction working with the Elm City Construction Company. Ben moved his expertise to L. Suzio York Hill Company in Meriden, CT where he worked 23 years before retiring. While driving for L. Suzio York Hill Company Ben took pride in keeping his truck like he did cars, clean on the outside and inside. Ben was known for having one of the cleanest vehicles in the fleet.
Ben was a member of Immanuel Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Hall, Reverend Cofield, and currently Reverend Samuel T. Ross-Lee. He was a member of the Men's Club as well as the Men's Choir.
Ben and his buddy Johnny enjoyed returning to their high school reunions at Kingville High School "The Panthers" in NC where they hung out with old friends and classmates up until he was no longer physically able to make the trip. Sitting at Edgewood Park (rain or shine), laughing and shooting the breeze with his close friends, where he was affectionately known as the Godfather. He enjoyed fellowshipping with the men and being surrounded by good people.
Ben was a big sports fan and enjoyed watching football and the UConn Girls Basketball team. He was also a huge music fan and enjoyed listening to and watching live jazz concerts in the Connecticut area. He was a huge supporter of local jazz artists in the area. He was fond of local businesses, especially the service station down the street. Ben enjoyed vacations on Royal Caribbean cruises with his wife. Their favorite stops were in the Eastern Caribbean. Many of you may not know but Ben was a human road map. If you ever needed directions, he was the person to ask. He didn't care if you were trying to go somewhere local or trying to get from Virginia to Connecticut. He had a route for you to take!!!
Many of you may know that Ben loved "dress to impress" and he took pride in his appearance. He exhibited the patience of Job when out shopping with his wife and his mother-in-law hours to find that perfect outfit, which he enjoyed immensely. Many times Ben would come home with more bags for himself than the two of them combined. Ben's bright smile and pleasant demeanor will be missed by many and will never be forgotten. He will always be remembered as a loving, kind, and caring human being. May he rest in glory and peace. Ben was a devoted husband, father, family member and friend who will be missed by many and will always be remembered for his loving smile. His bright smile always greeted you and brought joy to your heart.
Ben leaves behind the love of his life, wife, Gertrude Davis of 55 years; sons, Isaac Watson of Ironwood, MI and Michael Davis of Saint Charles, MD; daughter-in-law, Eulalia Davis; two granddaughters, Lauren and Shannon Davis; adopted brother, Johnny Edwards (they adopted each other as brothers after the death of Johnny's brother); sister-n-law, Rebecca (Ernesto) Torres; three brothers-in-law, Samuel Eleazer of Virginia Beach, VA, Jack Brown, and Prince Brown of Port Huron, MI; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other loving relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Clyde Davis and Orella Shadd; aunts, Mable Shadd and Marie Jones; mother-in-law, Susie Brown; three sisters-in-law, Ruby Payne, Susie Eleazer, and Emma Brown; and two brothers-in-law, Jessie Brown, Sr. and Josh Brown, Sr.